130 electric vehicle 'approved' dealers to be identified by end of 2019

Car dealerships with staff skilled in selling and servicing electric vehicles will be formally approved and promoted by a new government-backed scheme, it has been announced.

The standard for electric vehicle dealer accreditation, which has been developed by the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) and the Energy Saving Trust (EST), will likely come as a concern to independent aftermarket as it continues to fight for a level playing field.

Following a pilot scheme, in which the electric vehicle skills of 12 dealerships were audited, it is already estimated there will be 130 Electric Vehicle Approved sites across the UK by the end of 2019.

Future of mobility minister, Jesse Norman said: “Record levels of ultra-low emission vehicles on our roads are good news, as we seek to end the sale of new conventional diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2040.

“The accreditation recognises businesses with knowledge, capability and commitment to electric vehicles, and will help to encourage more car owners to switch to a greener alternative.”